Master Yang: A Journey Through Traditional Chinese Martial and Energy Arts

Hailing from Tianjin, China, Master Yang had the privilege of being born into a family deeply rooted in martial arts traditions. Tianjin, located near Beijing, has long been a center for internal martial arts. For over a century, it has been home to renowned Hebei Xingyi masters such as Liu Qilan, Li Cunyi, Zhang Zhaodong, and Xue Dian. Cheng-style Baguazhang also flourished in Tianjin after Cheng Tinghua's sons relocated there from Beijing. Historically, Tianjin’s population largely descended from soldiers of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), preserving a martial spirit that earned the city a reputation for producing exceptional martial artists. As the proverb goes, "If you pass the test in Tianjin, you will be a good one."

Early Life and Training

Master Yang began his martial arts training at the age of eight, selected as the family lineage bearer to carry on their martial tradition. In traditional Chinese families, this role came with significant responsibility and a strict, systematic training regimen. His first teacher was his grandfather, Yang Qinglin, a Grandmaster of Internal Styles and a student of Zhang Zhaodong, the founder of the Xingyi-Bagua Palm system. Although his grandfather was generally kind, he was highly disciplined during lessons. Master Yang cherished his training, especially the times his grandfather recounted martial arts stories from his days as a caravan bodyguard in Li Cunyi's Wantong company branch.

Another early influence in Master Yang’s life was his uncle, a student of Chen Zhaokui, son of the legendary Chen Fake, who introduced Chen-style Taichi to Beijing. Under his uncle’s guidance, Master Yang built a solid foundation in Taichi, which he credits with deepening his understanding of other martial arts disciplines. He often emphasizes Taichi’s dual benefits for health and martial application, describing it as an art of profound depth.

Expanding His Horizons

Unlike many practitioners of his time, who typically trained in a single style, Master Yang’s family encouraged him to learn from a variety of masters. Leveraging family connections, his grandfather introduced him to renowned teachers in different disciplines, greatly broadening his perspective on internal arts.

These experiences provided him with a comprehensive understanding of internal martial arts, enriched by the unique perspectives and methods of each master.

The Role of Daoist Meditation and Qigong

Master Yang recognized early in his journey that martial arts alone would not suffice to achieve a high level of practice. To complement his training, he delved into Daoist meditation and Qigong, which have been integral to Daoist traditions for thousands of years. Meditation, in particular, forms the foundation of internal practice, offering insights into the workings of the body and energy flow. Many traditional Chinese arts, including Daoist philosophy, were developed in meditative states, where practitioners gained a deeper understanding of life energy.

Master Yang trained under some of the most revered masters in these disciplines:

  • Yang Meijun: Grandmaster of Wild-Goose Qigong.

  • Li Zhihe: Grandmaster of Potential-Ability Development Qigong.

  • Pang Heming: Founder of Zhineng Qigong.

  • Cao Zhenyang: A top Daoist priest from the White Cloud Temple, where Master Yang learned Daoist meditation.

Master Yang also collected ancient Daoist documents to conduct in-depth research, likening the study of these texts to uncovering a treasure trove of wisdom. He believes that the spiritual approaches within these traditions offer practical benefits, guiding practitioners toward higher levels of self-development.

Bridging Martial Arts and Medicine

In addition to his martial and energy arts training, Master Yang earned a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Tianjin, specializing in herbology and acupuncture. His medical background gave him a deeper understanding of the human body, not just at the physical level but also at the energetic level. A certified Qigong instructor since 1992, he began teaching martial arts and Qigong in 1988 at the Technical Institute of Tianjin and other local communities.

Master Yang moved to Montreal in 2001, where he established the Center for Wudang Internal Practice. Through this center, he has continued to share his knowledge of martial arts, Qigong, and Daoist practices with students worldwide.

Philosophy of Practice

Master Yang believes in the importance of adhering to traditional principles while adapting them for modern times. His approach emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, combining internal and external training for holistic development. He also advocates for applying Daoist philosophy in daily life, allowing practitioners to cultivate both their physical and spiritual well-being.

For Master Yang, martial arts are more than a physical discipline—they are a way of life. He is committed to sharing his experiences and insights with those who are passionate about Chinese arts, ensuring that these ancient traditions continue to thrive in the modern world.